Council Member

Becoming a Council Member

Have you ever thought about:

being part of a forum that debates and decides Voice’s future strategies and policies,
overseeing Voice’s constitution, or
being involved with the running of Voice?

If so, our Council would like to invite you to experience the workings of a meeting of Council and/or an Executive Committee, as an observer, to see if you would like to stand for a position on one or both groups.

Travel expenses and accommodation are available for members who would like to take advantage of this opportunity.

If you would like further information, please contact us on 01332 372 337
or via email at volunteers@voicetheunion.org.uk

Please see the Role of a Council Member

The Role of a Council Member

All Council members should be aware that they:

have a mandate from their electoral country to general terms and also over specific issues
represent their electoral country at Council and other Voice meetings
report back to their country at regular intervals by whatever method is acceptable and convenient
familiarise themselves with Voice rules and policies as thoroughly as possible
are representatives of Voice in the wider education community and as such present a corporate message
should attend meetings of Council as often as possible, which is why the constitution makes it clear that regular absence is not tolerated
should communicate with members in their country via newsletter, liaise with the Marketing Team in Derby who will ensure that all communications are sent out in Voice’s ‘house style’ and to maintain brand integrity. These will normally be included within a mailing of the Union’s journal.

What is Expected of a Council Member:

to work as part of the Voice team (staff and members) for the benefit of Voice and its members
attendance at, and active participation in, Council meetings
to make the time commitment required to fulfil the role
to participate in Council working parties as appropriate
once decisions are made by the whole of Council to support those decisions regardless of personal opinions
to be a member of their country committee
to keep contact with and encourage Voice Volunteers
to work with and through Voice staff in promoting Voice
to adhere to corporate branding guidelines in communicating with members and others.

A Council Member is Not:

a branch or federation official (unless they have been elected to such a role)
a Field Officer (unless accredited to work in specific local authorities)
to represent members in consultation/negotiation with local authorities
allowed to enter into any financial arrangements, commitment or authorisation on behalf of Voice
a regional organiser and does not have authority over other Voice Volunteers or regional staff
expected to undermine previous decisions made by Council, whether or not they have been a participant in the decision, outside of the Council Chamber.